With so many yachts on display from top shipbuilders at the annual Monaco Yacht Show, it can be difficult to know which ones to concentrate on to see what innovations and designs set them apart from the pack. We’ve assembled a short list of the top yachts at the 2014 show, along with short descriptions of their outstanding features, to help you make the most of your time.

CakewalkThis magnificent 85.6m mega yacht, built by the American shipyard Derecktor is the largest yacht built in the United States since the 1930s. At just under 3,000GT, she is optimized for volume, resulting in vast deck areas and an astounding variety of entertainment spaces. Internationally acclaimed designer Tim Heywood is responsible for Cakewalk’s amazing features that include a climate-controlled tender garage and beach club with gorgeous appointments.

Polar StarThe 63.4m Polar Star, built by Lürssen in 2005 and refitted in 2010 is an outstanding yacht that offers exceptional space for a vessel of her size along with the ultimate in comfort. Built with the ability to cruise both warm and cold waters, Polar Star is also capable of circumnavigating the world. With six levels, this superyacht has vast deck space and a broad range of water toys and tenders along with features such as a gym and a central guest elevator. Large outdoor decks aft and forward as well as the crowning sundeck offer opportunities for alfresco dining and comfortable lounging in the sun or shade. Rodriguez Interiors is responsible for the interior design that features six cabins accommodating up to 12 passengers.

EleonoraBuilt by the Van der Graaf shipyard in the Netherlands and launched in 200, Eleonora is an exact replica of the schooner Westward, arguably one of the best known racing schooners in the world. Built for comfort as well as for speed, the 49.5m ship has a traditional interior with mahogany panels throughout and marbled baths. She sleeps eight comfortably in four cabins. The saloon spans the full beam of the yacht, is well illuminated by a large skylight and portholes, and features a mahogany dining table for eight guests.

AquariusThe 64.5m Aquarius built by Amels is another must-see yacht for 2014. On deck as well as in interior spaces, Aquarius is open and spacious with a bright interior thanks to design by Terence Disdale. The on board beach club fully expresses this yacht’s character. Aquarius underwent an extensive retrofit in 2012 that included entertainment equipment upgrades, stern extension and new windows in the main saloon to provide panoramic views.

UlyssesSuperyacht Ulysses is a popular charter vessel built in 2012 by Benetti, features a darker and heavier interior that is popular with eastern Europeans. With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, she accommodates 12 passengers in six cabins.

ApostropheIf you are seeking a quality custom-built yacht in the 40m range, Hakvoort’s Apostrophe is a prime example of craftsmanship and detail that is available from this Dutch shipbuilder. On display as a new project build, Apostophe is appearing once again at the Monaco Yacht Show. She features an elegant exterior profile and interior design by Reymond Langton Design Ltd. The contemporary art deco interior features ebonised walnut and makassar joinery, mother-of-pearl inlays and fine detailing in stainless steel, brushed nickel and leather. Other Hakvoort yachts worth a look include Allegria and Sagamar.

AthenaBuilt by the Royal Huisman yard, this magnificent 3-masted schooner is the largest sailing yacht available for charter and features an Alustar hull and superstructure. The 90m Athena has five sumptuous staterooms, including a full-beam master stateroom with study, walk-in wardrobe and luxurious bathroom with Jacuzzi. Pieter Beeldsnijder and Dykstra & Parters are the ship’s naval architects, exterior design is by Pieter Beeldsnijder while Rebecca Bradley designed the interior.

Lady LaraCustom built by Benetti in 2009, this 59m motor yacht has a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure. Stefano Natucci and Studio Massari Interior Architecture and Design thought through every element of the interior to the last detail. This attention gives Lady Lara a glamorous touch with the incorporation of warm colors along with gold, silver and mother of pearl. The Fendi Fashion House chose all elements with great care from door handles to flooring and from cabinets to luxurious lamps with Swarowski crystals.

HanumanAs Dykstra & Partners’ first J Class new build, Hanuman is a reincarnation of the 1937 Endeavour II racing yacht. The 41.3m Hanuman gets its named from the son of the Hindu wind god, a symbol =of strength perseverance and devotion. Royal Huisman oversaw the build the features a hull in Alustar, with spars and rig in carbon composite. Below decks, interior designer Pieter Beeldsnijder used traditional materials like hand-polished French walnut to create the warmth and ambience of a bygone era fused with the amenities of a modern superyacht.